Anne Curtis can't wait to eat "some yummy Middle Eastern food" and is looking forward to discovering Dubai, a city she's never visited before.
But what the Philippines' biggest television celebrity is truly looking forward to is performing for her fellow Filipinos based in the UAE.
"It always gives us a sense of achievement," she says, "to make people happy no matter where we are around the world."
Curtis is arriving in Dubai today, along with her co-hosts in Showtime, the reality talent-search programme that took the south-east Asian nation by storm when it premiered in 2009.
Joining her are fellow Philippine celebrities Vhong Navarro, Vice Ganda, Billy Crawford, Karylle, Kuya Kim Atienza, Jugs Jugueta and Teddy Corpuz.
They will be performing tomorrow at 7pm at the East Hall of the Dubai Airport Expo in a show titled Kabayan, It's Showtime!, produced by ABS-CBN's The Filipino Channel (TFC), an international television network that broadcasts Philippine programmes all over the world.
TFC is particularly popular in the UAE, where there are more than 600,000 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Showtime, which follows the format of reality searches like America's Got Talent, is the network's most watched show.
"Performing for my countrymen is special. For me, it's like coming to a family reunion," Navarro says. Dubbed as the Philippines' "prince of comedy", he shares main hosting duties with Curtis. "As an artist and performer, it's my little way of reaching out to them, which I consider a big privilege."
Co-host Atienza, who was a news weatherman before the Showtime gig, agrees. "The OFWs are the marvellous, faceless Pinoy heroes who keep our economy afloat. It is inspiring to be a source of joy to them," he says. "I am a big fan of them. I would like to bond with them even after our show."
Jugueta, another Showtime co-host, was in Dubai in 2009, when he played with his band Itchyworms for Rakrakan 2009, a Philippine rock music festival.
"The Pinoys in the UAE are really, really awesome. Last time we were there, more than 10,000 people watched. So this time I'm excited to see how they support the Showtime family," he says. "Sometimes I feel that Showtime is even more popular in other countries than in Manila. And that's because of TFC."
Kabayan, It's Showtime will not only be an entertainment platform for the celebrities, but also for some selected OFWs. Early this month, TFC Middle East launched an online competition open to groups of up to 15 members who can sing, dance, act or do a combination of any of the three. There were no limitations, except that everyone in the group must be of Filipino origin and residing in the UAE.
Groups posted their videos online, the judges made their selections and four finalists will be performing live on Friday's show, where the winners will be awarded a Dh10,000 prize.
"This unprecedented online talent search will showcase many of our kababayans [countrymen] who are talented yet remain undiscovered," says the ABS-CBN Middle East and Europe managing director Edgardo Garcia.
The competition was dominated by amateur hip-hop dance crews that recorded their videos outdoor, usually in empty public parks. There were also singing acts who recorded their entries inside their homes. Other aspirants were established groups such as the ballroom dancing Filipino Dancesport and Social Club and the Organization of Philippine Singers in Abu Dhabi.
All submitted entries can be viewed on YouTube.
The Showtime co-host Karylle believes Filipino talent will shine tomorrow night.
"I'm looking forward to watching their performances. I know they will make me feel proud to be Filipino. I was an OFW myself for months, so I know how it feels to be homesick. I know how it feels to release all that emotion on stage," says the singer, who was based in Singapore early this year to film the Asian musical drama series The Kitchen Musical.
"I'm thankful. It's amazing to do this for OFWs and see their warm smiles," the says co-host Teddy Corpuz, lead vocalist of the band Rocksteddy. "It will be a blast."
VIP tickets for the show are already sold out, but there are still patron and general admission tickets available, priced at Dh100 and Dh75, respectively. A Dh25 discount is offered to TFC subscribers.
For ticketing information, visit www.tfc-global.com
Follow us on Twitter and keep up to date with the latest in arts and lifestyle news at twitter.com/LifeNationalUAE
The promise of the campaign that started in May was to invite Filipinos in the U.S. to join hands and celebrate the true essence of public service – a genuine giving back to the community.
By the end of the campaign on May 26 via a public service fair and a star-studded, world-class fundraising concert at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California, aptly called, “Para Sa Inyo Kapamilya”, thousands from all sectors of the Filipino community hailed the campaign as real, meaningful Filipino advocacy and service for a noble cause.
10 Years of Committed Service to the Public
For the whole month of May, ABS-CBN Foundation International and The Filipino Channel’s (TFC) Balitang America - the non-profit sister organization of ABS-CBN International and the only daily locally produced Filipino news program in the U.S., respectively – launched May as its public service month to commemorate their 10 years of service to the overseas Filipinos and migrants in the U.S.
After three successive weeks of holding free service fairs that included the participation of medical and health care providers, financial and legal consultants (particularly immigration), wellness providers, overseas absentee voting registration by the Philippine Consulates General in San Francisco and Los Angeles, TFC’s myRemit providing free remittance plus some karaoke-singing contest as entertainment – which took the travelling fair from the TFC headquarters in Redwood City to Seafood City branches in Eagle Rock and North Hills, California – all roads led to Home Depot Center in Carson on May 26. Here, more service providers joined community leaders in attendance led by Carson Mayor Jim Dear and Evelyn Sia, Philippine Consul General (Los Angeles) Mary Jo Aragon and husband, Dr. Romualdo Aragon, Carson Councilmember Elito Santarina and wife Anita, among many others from business, media, non-profit, government and entertainment.
May 26 declared Balitang America and ABS-CBN Foundation International Day
“Para Sa Inyo Kapamilya” last Saturday at Home Depot Center had three components: Balitang America’s show and public service fair at the main concourse; ABS-CBN Foundation International’s VIP Reception for supporters and major donors which also paid tribute to Mrs. Conchita Taylor, the founder of ABS-CBN Foundation International, at the American Express Stadium Club; and the star-studded concert at the Tennis Stadium with Martin Nievera, Charice, Bamboo, Xian Lim, Kim Chiu, Cheesa (Filipino American singer who almost reached the quarterfinals of NBC’s The Voice) and a special appearance of apl.de.ap of the world-renowned hip hop group, Black Eyed Peas, with Miss Philippines USA 2012 Kristina Bryant and her royal court.
The City of Carson led by Mayor Dear and Councilman Santarina honored the decade of service by declaring May 26, 2012 as Balitang America Day and ABS-CBN Foundation International Day. The Balitang America team led by News Bureau Chief Nadia Trinidad, Executive Producer Vivian Araullo, news anchor Gel Santos-Relos, senior reporters Henni Espinosa, Don Tagala, Steve Angeles and Albert Bataclan, and Manny dela Rosa a.k.a. Manny the Movie Guy were there to receive the award. Chairman of the Board for the ABS CBN Foundation International and ABS-CBN Global COO Raffy Lopez with ABS-CBN Foundation International President Robbie Fabian received the award on behalf of the Foundation.
World-class Filipino entertainment
The much-awaited concert of top Filipino entertainers kicked off after the awarding ceremony. The inimitable Concert King of the Philippines Martin Nievera started with a bang with a fast number entitled, “Take Off”. This was followed with a medley of his greatest hits that sent the audience into a romantic memory lane and even sang along with Nievera.
Following was the Filipino American sensation from NBC’s The Voice – Cheesa – who showed her vocal range with songs like “All by Myself” and the “Kailangan Kita/I Have Nothing” medley.
Bamboo and his live band brought the house down with an eclectic brand of rock. His renditions of “Hallelujah”, “Englishman/Sunday Morning”, “Noypi” among others wowed both young and old. A favorite number also was his well-applauded surprise duet with Nievera, singing “Every Breath You Take”.
When the Princess of Teleserye, Kim Chiu, entered the stage, dazzling in a red gown, screams of die-hards who had followed her from arrival at Los Angeles Airport to her hotel to Home Depot Center flooded the air. The radiantly lovely young star also showed she can sing and dance with her version of “Part of Me” with the TFC Dancers.
The decibel level hit the roof when Chiu’s Binondo Girl love interest, matinee idol Xian Lim, was called in to banter with her, completing the presence of the top love team in the Philippines today. Lim engaged the crowd with the romantic ballad, “So, It’s You”, then performed a duet with Chiu via the song, “Just A Kiss”. The adorable, picture-perfect duo sealed their onstage moment with a stolen kiss by Lim, titillating all fans in the crowd.
Nievera and Santos Relos jokingly flirted on the floor before introducing the final perfomer, Charice. Never failing to surprise and thrill the audience, an edgier, grittier look of the diminutive singer with a powerful voice greeted everyone. She went on to wow the crowd with new and familiar hits. A fantastic Whitney Houston tribute duet with Cheesa – “Saving All My Love For You” – made many wish that the two friends can record songs together.
In between performers' suites were video presentations of celebrities describing their personal experiences with volunteerism through the Foundation. There were also 10th anniversary greetings from ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs Head Ging Reyes and her stellar team of newscasters. The video presentations ended with messages from ABS-CBN Foundation Philippines Founder and Managing Director Gina Lopez, Program Director Tina Monzon-Palma and ABS-CBN Foundation International President Robbie Fabian.
“I am proud of the strides Balitang America has made as a news and public service program for Filipinos and by Filipinos here in the U.S.,” said ABS-CBN Global Content Head and North America Managing Director Olivia De Jesus. “Their achievements have paved the way for other ABS-CBN regional offices to also build their local news programs like Balitang Middle East, Balitang Europe and Balitang Canada. I’m very confident that they will continue to produce timely, relevant, meaningful and impactful content for overseas Filipino communities.”
"It is with pride that we celebrate the first ten years of the ABS CBN Foundation International," said Rafael Lopez, concurrent Chairman of the Board for the ABS CBN Foundation International and ABS-CBN Global COO. "We are grateful to the Mayor of Carson and the City's officials and people for honoring over 12,000 donors that we've seen throughout the years. Our work is far from over but we are committed to bringing the compassion of the organization wherever Filipinos are around the world."
ABS-CBN Foundation International’s “See JR Run” promo spot won SILVER for Public Service Announcement category at PromaxBDA Local Awards in Las Vegas. Balitang America, July 2, 2012
Kapamilya Stars Featured in Click Tayo Music Video (for TFC.tv)
Posted on September 16, 2012
The hottest Kapamilya stars are featured in the 'Click Tayo' music video for TFC.tv. The said MV is TFC.tv's first online music video to let us know that anywhere in the world, "Click Tayo sa TFC.tv." TFC.tv is the first community online-TV platform for Pinoys all over the world.
Kapamilya stars sing and dance to the beat of Barkada by Chocolate Beef. Watch TFC.tv's 'Click Tayo' music video below:
The Kapamilya stars featured in the said 'Click Tayo' music video are Kathryn Bernardo, Cristine Reyes, Maja Salvador, Sam Milby, Jodi Sta. Maria, Christian Bautista, Erik Santos, Charee Pineda, Jed Madela, Shaina Magdayao, Enrique Gil, Martin Nievera, Jake Cuenca, Bangs Garcia, Rayver Cruz, Khalil Ramos, Angeline Quinto, Martin del Rosario, Sam Concepcion, Melissa Ricks, Ivan Dorschner, Arron Villaflor, Daniel Padilla, John Lloyd Cruz, Bea Alonzo, Enchong Dee, Gerald Anderson, Piolo Pascual, JM de Guzman and Bamboo.
Maricel Soriano is back at ABS-CBN: ‘Siyempre na-miss ko’
9/25/2012
by: Rachelle Siazon
After more than two years of doing acting stints for rival networks, Maricel Soriano returns to ABS-CBN with an upcoming teleserye, Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin. The Diamond Star has kept her latest project under wraps for a few weeks now, which was why it came as a big surprise that she’ll be joining the teleserye starring Gerald Anderson, Cristine Reyes, Rayver Cruz, and Diana Zubiri.
Without going into details of her contract, Maricel admitted that she missed working at the Kapamilya network “Oo naman, siyempre na-miss ko. Unang-una, gusto ko magpasalamat sa ABS-CBN dahil isa na namang makabuluhan at magandang proyekto ang ibinigay sa akin. Sana ho maibigan ninyo, abangan ninyo po dahil napakagandang proyekto ng Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin,” she said during the story conference of the soap held at Cerchio Restaurant, Monday night, September 24.
Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin also marks her reunion with Dina Bonnevie and Tonton Gutierrez whom she last worked with in the movie Abot Kamay Ang Pangarap (1996).
“Excited ako kasi bago na naman itong makakatrabaho kong mga young ones at alam ko mahuhusay sila. At saka na-excite ako kasi makakatrabaho ko si Tonton at saka si Dina. Siyempre excited ako kasi matagal na rin kaming hindi nakapagtrabaho. Ang dami naming pinagsamahang proyekto many years ago. Kaya eto na naman ang aming balik- tambalan.”
Asked how this project came about, Maricel simply said that she’s confident that the powerhouse cast and the rest of the team will be offering a family saga that the viewers will surely love. “Magandang project kasi. Yun ang pinagusapan namin na gagawin ko. So tapos na yung bakasyon ko. Hahaha!”
Comments
pruedence cruz
9/25/2012 3:30 PM ang galing mang gulat ng ABS sa mga projects nila... another exciting show to look forward to...
CB Cruz
9/25/2012 10:11 AM I can't wait for this. Maricel and Dina B. are my 2 fave actress plus Gerald A. Will be subscribing to TFC again. I will be waiting here from Los Angeles California. Woot-woot!!!!!!
Naiwan ko sa PR103 ng Philippine Airlines na sinakyan ko mula Los Angeles, California pabalik ng Pilipinas ang sunglasses ko.
Nang ma-realize ko na naiwan ko ang sunglasses ko sa PAL, itwineet ko 'yon sa Twitter account ng PAL (@flyPAL).
Kahapon ay nag-tweet sa akin ang @flyPAL para i-inform na nahanap nila ang sunglasses ko at pinake-claim sa akin sa terminal 2 ng PAL.
At least, honest ang mga taga-PAL at maibabalik na sa akin ang sunglasses ko na naiwan ko sa plane nila.
Importante sa akin ang sunglasses kong 'yon dahil kailangan na palagi akong nakasuot ng salamin dahil inopera kamakailan ang aking left eye.
***
Nakaka-touch ang mga taga-TFC (The Filipino Channel).
Noong Biyernes ay tinext ako ni Ms. Marianne de Vera na namamahala ng PR ng TFC ng ABS-CBN.
Nagpasalamat si Marianne sa mga magaganda ko raw na naisulat tungkol sa recent event ng TFC sa Califiornia.
Kahit paminsan-minsan ko lang maisulat ang TFC (at ang ABS-CBN), marunong silang magpasalamat at magpahalaga.
Noong nag-email ako sa kanila para sabihin na gusto kong i-cover ang One Kapamilya Go nila sa California kamakailan, kaagad silang nag-respond para sabihing magpo-provide sila ng VIP ticket para sa akin.
Sayang lang at hindi ako nakasipot sa event nilang 'yon.
TFC partners with OMB for global anti-piracy campaign
October 01, 2012
“Piracy is wrong.” There is no ifs and buts about it. Philippine Optical Media Board (OMB) chair Ronnie Ricketts explained it in simple terms: “Since we were students, we’ve been taught not to copy what is not ours — quiz and homework answers, ideas, projects and the like. That is essentially what piracy is — copying what is not yours. In school, we call that cheating. In life, we call it stealing. It is plainly and simply morally wrong. It also happens to be illegal.”
Hence, OMB recently partnered with The Filipino Channel (TFC) for an awareness campaign on anti-piracy. Aligning with Ricketts’ battlecry of Bawal Kumopya (literally translated as copying is prohibited), TFC tapped the cast members of Walang Hanggan, who gave time for the production of Bawal Kumopya public service announcement. Coco Martin, Richard Gomez, Dawn Zulueta, Julia Montes, Paulo Avelino and Joem Bascon joined hands in a united front for the war against piracy.
Dawn Zulueta and Paulo Avelino
The public service announcement was launched at the One Kapamilya Go sa California’s Great America held last Sept. 16. Before 10,000 people, the video was unveiled, with Adobo Nation co-host Lee Robin Salazar and WBC Latino Flyweight and Super Flyweight Champion Nonito Donaire with his family and management introducing the campaign. The launch, the announcement and Bawal Kumopya T-shirts were huge hits. The campaign has aired globally on TFC and will be rolled out in various TFC events worldwide.
The OMB, which replaced the Videogram Regulatory Board (VRB), is responsible in regulating the manufacture of optical media in all their forms and has the power to slap stiffer fines and penalties to those who illegally reproduce those products. Since Ricketts took office as the new head of OMB in 2009 under the Office of the President, he has achieved several key milestones in the battle against piracy. This includes what was previously described as impossible: Seizing in 2011 all copies of pirated videos on sale on the streets of Quiapo and Sta. Cruz — the symbolic piracy hub of the Philippines. In partnership with Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, they proved that fighting film and video piracy is a winnable war if national and local government officials have the political will to end it.
Another major achievement under Ricketts’ leadership is the zero piracy of films at the annual Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), a Christmas season tradition that families have enjoyed and contributed financially to the benefit of the Filipino film industry. Since 2009, he has accomplished a piracy-free film festival which resulted to robust theater attendance and ticket sales for the festival.
Ricketts was lauded by the film industry, receiving the FPJ Memorial Award from the Film Academy for Movie Arts & Sciences (FAMAS) in recognition for his efforts. He has also a star in the Walk of Fame in Eastwood City.
This strong leadership and resolute commitment to eradicate piracy and, in effect, help the economy and the film industry, inspired the ABS-CBN TFC management to assist the efforts of Ricketts and bring his message to Filipinos overseas.
Ni SVA (Pilipino Star Ngayon) Updated October 15, 2012
Mga pelikulang Pinoy na pinilAhan mapapanood ng libre sa Singapore
Matapos ang ilang taon ng pag-e-enjoy ng TFC (The Filipino Channel), may pakakaabangan na namang bagong channel ang mga Pinoy sa Singapore – ang Cinema One Global. Sa mga darating na buwan, mapapanood na ang nangungunang cable channel sa Pilipinas sa TFC via Starhub cable.
This quarter, magmimistulang sinehan ang mga tahanan ng mga Pinoy sa Singapore na may TFC via Starhub dahil ipapalabas na ang pinakamalaking pelikula mula sa Pilipinas mula sa blockbuster films hanggang sa mga award-winning na independent films. Masasabing pinakamalaki ang library ng mga pelikula ng Cinema One sa Pilipinas dahil humigit-kumulang na 3,500 movie titles ang nilalaman nito. Kabilang na rito ang exclusive rights para ipalabas ang Star Cinema movies na naka-line up sa Cinema One Global ngayong taon. Kasama rin dito ang kilalang mga pelikula mula sa mga pinakamalaking movie outfits sa Pilipinas tulad ng Viva Films, OctoArts, Seiko Films, Regal Entertainment, Inc. at iba pa.
Kabilang sa mga naglalakihang pelikulang tiyak na aabangan ay ang blockbuster films tulad ng No Other Woman, Segunda Mano, at One More Chance ng Star Cinema, Enteng ng Ina Mo ng OctoArts Films, Shake Rattle and Roll ng Regal, at Won’t Last a Day Without You at A Very Special Love na prinodyus ng Star Cinema at ng Viva. Matutunghayan din ang mga award-winning classic films tulad ng digitally restored na Himala at Oro Plata Mata.
Maliban sa mainstream movies ay ipapalabas din ng Cinema One ang mga award-winning at inaabangang independent films mula sa Cinemalaya at Cinema One Originals, ang kauna-unahang film festival na itinayo ng isang movie channel sa Pilipinas.
Abangan din ang free preview handog ng Cinema One Global. Tumawag lamang sa Starhub Hotline 1630 o para sa karagdagang impormasyon tungkol sa Cinema One Global.
Robin, ‘di lilipat ng network hangga’t no. 1 ANG TFC (Kahit hanggang ngayo’y may offer mula TV5)
Written by Reggee Bonoan
Saturday, 03 November 2012
NAKA-ISANG taon na pala ang Toda Max na kinabibilangan nina Robin Padilla, Angel Locsin, Pokwang, at Vhong Navarro kaya abot-abot ang pasalamat ng cast kasama na ang buong staff and crew dahil nga marami silang pinagdaanang hirap bago marating ang estado nila ngayon, lalo na’t nagka-award pa sila bilang Best Comedy program sa nakaraang Catholic Mass Media Awards.
Naikuwento nga ni Robin na bago pala umabot sa isang taon ang programa nila ay maraming hirap silang dinanas para ipaglaban ang show sa ABS-CBN management.
Bumaba raw kasi sa ratings game ang Toda Max dahil nga hindi raw type dahil hindi commercial. “Nagka-kontrahan pa rati sa ilang episodes kasi siyempre may mga ibang gusto sila. May nangyaring struggle talaga.
“Sabi ko nga, tanggalin na lang kami (show) kasi ang gusto nila commercial, ayaw nila ng may nanenermon, nagpaka-moral-moral daw kami kaya bumaba (ratings) rati, sabi ko ipaglaban natin (cast) at ni tatay Rocky (EP), awa ng Diyos, nanaig naman kami, panindigan lang natin. So, hayun, nagwagi naman kami sa ratings kaya praise God,” kuwento ng aktor.
At ngayong tumaas na ang ratings at magaganda rin ang feedback sa nasabing sitcom kaya posibleng abutin sila ng maraming taon.
“E, okay lang na umabot sa ilang taon, huwag lang pahaba ng pahaba ang oras, ha, ha, ha, na-extend kami ng oras, eh. Dati 12 sequences lang kami, ngayon 16 na.
“Eh, sana humaba rin ang suweldo, kasi mahaba na ang working hours,” tatawa-tawang sabi sa amin.
Malaki na ang nabago kay Binoe dahil dati’y deadma siya kung magkano ang tinatanggap niyang talent fee.
“Eh, matanda na ako, properly compensated dapat tayo, ‘di ba? Kasi nakikita natin ang mga batang artista ngayon kung bayaran nila, ‘di ba (malalaki ang TF), nakagugulat, siyempre kaming mga matured na artista dapat hindi pababa ang talent fee, ‘di ba? Nakalulungkot naman ang ganoon,” katwiran naman sa amin.
Sa Hollywood kasi ang mga may edad ng artista ay mas malaki ang talent fees hindi katulad ‘dito sa Pilipinas na mababa ‘pag lumang artista na.
“Hindi, sa ABC 5 hindi ganoon (malaki ang bayad sa mga artista), ha, ha, ha. Dapat hindi masanay sa ganoon,” katwiran ng aktor.
Ay may paramdam si Robin sa Dos?
“Ha, ha, ha, ha ay hindi ako nagpaparinig, ako ABS-CBN ako, hindi ako lilipat. Seryoso lang ako sa sinabi ko na binayaran ng ABC 5 ang mga beteranong artista, ‘yun lang naman ‘yung akin, kahit ipagtanong ninyo, ABS ako, Kapamilya pa rin,” sabi ng aktor.
At inamin din na may offer ang TV5 noon pa at hindi nawawala, “hindi naman sila nawawalan ng offer, sabi ko nga ABS ako kasi ang habol ko sa kanila ay ang TFC (The Filipino Channel), hangga’t ang number one sa abroad ang TFC at ‘yung mga OFW ay ‘yun lang ang kaligayahan nila (manood ng programa ng Dos), eh, nandito pa ako. Ako naman ay hindi nagpaparinig sa kung anuman, sa totoo lang ang sinasabi ko mga kapatid at kapamilya, ha, ha, ha.”
Trailer: Epic From the creators of ICE AGE and RIO, EPIC tells the story of an ongoing battle between the forces of good, who keep the natural world alive, and the forces of evil, who wish to destroy it. view more
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